Syllabus
Outcomes
- Demonstrate traditional grammar.
- Label and explain parts of speech within sentences.
- Demonstrate descriptive and prescriptive grammars through traditional and structural grammar.
- Demonstrate structural grammar.
- Diagram sentences reflecting the ten major sentence patterns.
- Demonstrate descriptive and prescriptive grammars.
- Demonstrate Edited American English.
- Demonstrate basic editing skills.
- Identify significant events in the evolution of British, American, and global English.
Description
Theory and Practice of Language—Grammar and Usage is a required sophomore/junior level course for all English majors. This class assumes students already know the English language because they are native speakers or are comfortable with language arts—they speak and write sentences grammatically well. Martha Kolln and Robert Funk claim, “Knowing a language and knowing about a language are two very different kinds of knowledge.” On the other hand, this class also assumes students are less familiar about English and are uncertain how to discuss what makes those sentences grammatical. Therefore, the focus of this class is to help English majors understand and feel more comfortable with the terminology, principles, issues, and applications of language in their everyday lives.
English 325 has the following major components:
- Grammar. We will focus on traditional and structural grammar (diagramming). Grammar allows us to identify sentence structures, their individual parts, and their relationships. Cindy Vitto’s Grammar by Design is our grammar text. Quiz for each chapter—20 points each (260 points)
- Mechanics. We will review traditional mechanics and punctuation rules such as subject/verb agreement and commas. Eight quizzes—10 points each and one exam (180 points)
- Personal Grammar Workbook. Each student will create a personal grammar workbook with rules/explanations, exercises, and answers. These will be evaluated in your groups each week (100 points)
- Editing Portfolio. We will apply principles of grammar and mechanics through editing exercises to demonstrate Edited American English. (50 points)
There ARE weekly due dates. Late Assignments Not Accepted.
Quizzes
English 325 has four series of quizzes:
- Grammar quizzes on each chapter of Vitto’s Grammar by Diagram (can be taken multiple times).
- Mechanics quizzes on mechanics and punctuation rules (can be taken multiple times).
- Self-scored participation quizzes.
All quizzes for the week are open throught the entire week. Quizzes can be retaken any time during that week—the highest score counts.
Exams
English 325 has five exams:
- Four mini-exams (100 points each—400 points)
- One mechanics exam (100 points)
These exams are not proctored. They will be opportunities for you to demonstrate your personal integrity.
Learning Model Architecture
You will be expected to prepare for each week by reading and reviewing the assigned materials (readings from your textbook, online readings, and online presentations). You will have many opportunities to teach one another in the discussion boards where you will provide feedback on workbook pages. You will have chances to ponder and prove the things you learn through online quizzes, online exercises, and discussion board feedback.
Prerequisites
None.
Required Materials
Vitto, Cindy L. Grammar by Diagram. 2nd ed. Buffalo, NY: Broadview Press, 2006.
The following copies are available through the bookstore:
- eText ISBN: 9781770481367
- Print ISBN: 9781551117782
- International students must purchase the eText version.
- Purchase the textbook and not the workbook. Purchase the book with the white cherry blossom on it.
- A college desk dictionary recommended
Note
Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.
Grading Policies
Graded activities include exercises, daily preparation, quizzes, and exams. Most often the number grade follows the breakdown below
| A = 94% | A- = 90% |
| B+ = 87% | B = 84% |
| B- = 80% | C+ = 77% |
| C = 74% | C- = 70% |
| D+ = 67% | D = 64% |
| D- = 60% | F = 59% |
The instructor reserves the right to slightly alter grades depending on a student’s performance.